C.J. Uzomah wants to bathe in Skyline Chili, hold the spaghetti. The hype, explained. (Published 2022) (2024)

Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah said he would celebrate a Bengals win by bathing in Skyline Chili. “You put it in a swimming pool, and I’ll dive in there and eat my way out,” he said.

For weeks, Bengals fans have been shotgunning cans of the chili to celebrate Cincinnati’s ascent to the Super Bowl. One took a “Skyline shower” as the chili was poured from a crock pot over his head.

As the game draws closer, some outside the Midwest may be asking, What, exactly, is Skyline Chili?

The Cincinnati-based chain of chili restaurants is known for its cheese coneys, a hot dog covered with mustard, chili, onions and shredded cheddar, and chili-topped spaghetti that can be ordered as a three-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), four-way (adding diced onions or beans), or, for the adventurous, five-way (adding diced onions and beans).

It also sells a popular canned version of its chili, which is known for containing both chocolate and cinnamon. Unlike other versions of chili con carne, Skyline contains only meat, spices and water.

While there is debate over the best Cincinnati-style chili, many Cincinnatians say Skyline Chili is the city’s pride and joy and promise that you’ve never had anything like it.

One thing is certain: Skyline is polarizing. It is either beloved or hated, there is little in between.